How Can I See My Rental History Report?

A rental history report provides a comprehensive overview of an individual’s past tenancy, serving as a significant factor in the rental application process. Landlords and property managers commonly utilize these reports to assess a prospective tenant’s reliability and suitability for a property. Understanding the contents of this report and how to access it can help individuals prepare for future housing applications.

Understanding Your Rental History Report

A rental history report consolidates details about a tenant’s prior rental experiences. This includes a record of past addresses, lease durations, and contact information for previous landlords. It also details payment history, noting on-time, late, or missed payments.

These reports may also contain information regarding lease violations, such as property damage, unauthorized occupants, or noise complaints. Eviction records and details on property maintenance are also included. The accuracy of these reports is important, as they provide landlords insights into a tenant’s financial responsibility and adherence to lease terms.

Primary Sources for Your Rental History Report

Several entities compile rental history reports, drawing data from various sources. Major credit bureaus, including Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, offer tenant screening services that may include rental payment history. Experian RentBureau collects rent payment data from property management companies and electronic payment services, while TransUnion’s SmartMove and Equifax Rental Screening Solutions are also used by landlords.

Beyond credit bureaus, dedicated tenant screening companies specialize in compiling these reports. Examples include CoreLogic SafeRent, AppFolio, RentGrow, and Tenant Data Services. These companies gather information from public records, such as eviction court filings, and directly from landlords who report tenant behavior.

How to Request and Review Your Report

Individuals can request a copy of their rental history report online, by mail, or via phone. When making a request, specific personal information is required for identity verification, including your full legal name, current and previous addresses, date of birth, and Social Security Number. This information helps the reporting agency accurately locate your file and ensure data security.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) entitles consumers to a free copy of their tenant screening report if an adverse action, such as a rental application denial, is taken against them based on the report. Some agencies may also offer a free annual report, similar to credit reports. Once obtained, carefully review the report for inaccuracies, such as incorrect addresses, mismatched personal information, or errors in payment records or eviction history. Also verify the accuracy of lease dates and landlord contact information.

Disputing Inaccuracies

If inaccuracies are found on a rental history report, individuals have the right to dispute them. The process involves contacting the reporting agency, such as a credit bureau or tenant screening company, and submitting a formal dispute. Provide detailed explanations of errors and attach supporting evidence, such as payment receipts, lease agreements, or court documents, to substantiate the claim.

The reporting agency must investigate the dispute within 30 days, which can extend to 45 days. If the investigation confirms the information is inaccurate, incomplete, or cannot be verified, the agency must correct or remove it from the report. If the dispute is not resolved to the individual’s satisfaction, they may add a brief statement to their report explaining their perspective.